The Leader

36- Moving Forward...Then Back

My mom cancelled the reality show, although she was advised against it because it would make for better views. I could tell she was genuinely upset at my sisters death. We were on the front page of every media outlet, and my mom even put a pause on her talk show.

I didn't really know how to take this all in. My sister was dead. Not that I talked to her or was she even friendly towards me. I tried to call Harry, but Liam always answered and said hes away on business and will call me when he gets back.

The whole house was glum now. So I was never home. I was spending alot of time with Brenna and Jaden. Brenna was to have a baby shower soon so I was trying to help her with that and be supportive of her. It was crazy because I was supposed to be celebrating life while I was also thinking about the dead. It's a crazy thought. That someday, somehow, a life just ends. But the rest of the world continues. It was something that never actually clicked in my head. Everyone hears and knows about it but the finality of death is scary.

My sisters funeral was held at a cemetery that my grandma was buried at. My mom even arranged for Erica to be next to her. She wanted to make sure that Erica was safe and was with someone she new.

It seemed like the entire family came. All of my dads 3 brothers and their family came and my moms gigantic side of the family showed up. I had never even seen some of my distant cousins before but they all came to mourn Erica.

The service looked like the ones in the movies. With everyone dressed in black and everyone with black umbrellas. Except the only person crying was my mom. But she did it silently into my fathers shoulder who had a sad expression.

As they lowered Erica's coffin I looked around to see if any of the boys showed up. I had told Liam and Carolyn where it was at thinking they might show or tell Louis if he wanted to come. But the only one who was here from them was Lottie who was standing next to me and Seth.

After the service my mother hosted the reception at our house. Even with all the parties she's thrown this one was more extravagant even though it was for a horrible event.

My mother had a band, tons of caterers, the normal chefs, bartenders, and more entertainment. When asked why she tried to make it seem like a happy occasion she smiled and said " I want everyone to remember how lovely Erica was."

It was beyond creepy and I honestly thought she was broken. I didn't stay downstairs too long. I spent most of the afternoon in my room. Brenna and Jaden were keeping my mind off Erica pretty well. But I was still concerned about not having heard from Louis. Liam just said that Harry was gone. I have no idea if Louis was too. It was kinda weird he wasn't at the funeral.

I texted Lottie asking why Louis didn't show but she said that he was out of town as well. I didn't think anything of it though.

A month later and my mom had cancelled our family vacation and still wasn't filming her talk show. Dad went back to work immediately but mom seemed to always be home now.

I still hadn't heard from Harry other than a few texts from random phone numbers that said it was him saying he misses me and can't wait to see me when he gets back which is supposed to be in a week in a half.

I was hopeful to finally be with him. I was kinda mad because I felt like now is when I need him the most and he's not here.

I got a text from Frenchie, Erica's friend.

Hey hunter, it's Frenchie, I left something in Erica's room is it ok if I stop by? F

Yea sure come over whenever. H

When Frenchie eventually came by I took her to Erica's room and asked her what she needed. After I said that Frenchie immediately closed the door behind us and grabbed both my arms.

"Hunter, I need to tell you something!" Frenchie said with worried wide eyes. I was so confused. Was the thing she needed from Erica's room something nasty like a sex toy or did she lose her weed in here and desperately needed to find it.

"What?" I asked. Frenchie leaned in closer to me.

"I know who killed Erica. But they made me promise not to tell but I feel like I need to tell you so nothing happens to you! Erica would be so mad at me if something happened to you and I could've stopped it!" She said as she started to cry and grip onto me.

"What? Who killed her? I thought you said you didn't see?" I said.

"I didn't. But after I left the hospital a black van pulled me into it and covered my head with a hood and knocked me out. I thought I was just being kidnapped but look!" Frenchie said as she held out her wrist. It had cigarette burns on it and buttocks cuts on it and her actual wrist had red marks around it like she was tied up.

"What happened? Are you okay?" I asked.

"They tied me up and took me to a basement and asked me if I saw who killed Erica. When I told them no they didn't believe me so they burned me and threatened to kill me if I didn't tell them. But I had no idea and finally they believed me but then I recognized a guy from upstairs voice! It was luke!"

"Natalia's boyfriend?" I asked.

"Yes! The one with the twins! He was the leading it. I heard him say that I must not know anything and to let me go. The guy told me not to tell anyone about this or they'd kill me!" Frenchie said.

"That can't be true. Because Luke works for Harry!" I said.

"Hunter! Harry must've killed her! Luke's one of the men who lead things like this under Harry's orders!harry killed Erica and wanted to make sure I didn't see anything!"

"How do you know it was Luke?"

"He came down and they were wearing masks but I saw his eyes and I saw a tattoo on his ankle that him and Natalia both have! The S and D for their kids! Hunter you have to tell your mom! If anyone but the cops first I'll be dead and then you'll be dead! Please she's downstairs now!" Frenchie begged and tried to pull me to go downstairs. She was hysterical.

"No no! Wait! It couldn't have been Luke! Why would Harry order that? That doesn't make any sense he obviously knows that's my sister!"

"That's why he and Louis aren't in town. They need alibis. If they're not in town they can't be blamed. That's why they have other to do the killing but they can't be blamed for it!"

"But why would he kill her? I thought Louis and Erica we're together?"

"Sarah told Erica something and Erica got a little upset about something. That's why we went drinking. I think they were both gonna tell the Theriot's something!"

"What? No she wouldn't. She loved Louis she would never! And Harry would never!"

"Hunter! Please listen to me. Don't be blind! It was Harry. Louis has no choice but to listen to him regardless if he loved Erica or not! Harry's word is final in Stayne! Look what they did to me! And I didn't even see anything! What do you think they would've done to him who would've went against Harry?"

"No Frenchie. It couldn't of been Harry! He just wouldn't do that!" I said starting to cry too. I didn't believe it. It was impossible. Harry's so sweet and wouldn't kill my sister or have her killed.

"Hunter please. I can't leave the house without something in my hand. They might be watching me and reading my texts. Give me something I can take then since you don't believe me. I'm gonna go wash my face then. But please think about what I just told you. Why would I lie to you. I have nothing to gain and everything to lose." She said.